What Went Right: Rookie Receivers
While the
offense was hardly dynamic this year, Travis Benjamin and Josh Gordon showed a
lot of potential and could become big time playmakers in the offense going
forward. Both averaged over 16 yards per reception and combine for eight total
touchdowns. Gordon took a little bit of time to adjust to the NFL level, but
once he did, he became a solid, if raw, receiver. Benjamin was used less,
rightfully so, mostly as a third and fourth receiver. But when he got open he
could take the ball the distance and also showed some solid punt returning
abilities after Josh Cribbs got hurt. As both develop, they could become ig
time weapons for the Browns passing attack, if the Browns address their quarterback
issue.
What Went Wrong: Brandon Weeden
Yes,
quarterback is still an issue. The Browns were burying themselves when they used
a first round pick on Brandon Weeden, who had no advantage over Colt McCoy
other than his arm strength. Coming with that and the offensive system that
Oklahoma State runs, you had to know he wasn’t going to be very successful. And
he wasn’t, turning the ball over 18 times, mercifully only having one of his six
fumbles recovered by the opponent. If the new coaching staff doesn’t immediately
jettison him, then he’ll need to improve on his reads, his decision-making and
his mechanics if he wants a chance to start again.
Player of the Year: Joe Thomas
Yes. The best
player on the Browns was the player of the year, in spite of the bad record. Thomas
is the best left tackle in football, period. He’s just as good in run and pass
defense, though he often gets blamed for issues in the running game that I see
as things that are out of his control. Selected to his sixth Pro Bowl, Thomas
is quickly transcending his position and his team’s failings to become the
elite left tackle of this generation.
Keeper: Juqua Parker
I now that Josh
Cribbs and Sheldon Brown are both also free agents, but Travis Benjamin showed
he could be a good replacement for Cribbs returning punts and kicks and Brown
is way up there in years. Parker on the other hand six sacks this year (good
for second on the team) and provided solid veteran leadership. He’s older, but
that just gives the Browns some solid negotiating leverage. They could easily
draft a raw passing rushing prospect later in the draft and let Parker tutor
him on a relatively cheap two or three year contract. It make good sense from a
team building and cap perspective.
Goner: Usama Young
This choice was
more about the amount of money being made than it was the quality of the
player. With the coaching staff and front office turning over, the Browns brass
may not be so in love with the idea of paying Usama young 2 million next year. In
all honesty, they should be looking at off-loading both Colt McCoy and Brandon
Weeden and starting fresh with a new quarterback group. However I don’t think
it’s likely to happen.
Should Draft: Defense and QB
The Browns need
some more talent on the defensive side of the ball. I know that’s odd
considering that defense was their strength going into the year, but talent didn’t
evolve like they were hoping and the veterans pay is starting to out-weigh their
play. Some new outside linebackers, a young corner and defensive end would definitely
help out. They could also use a ball-hawking safety to pair with T.J. Ward.
Also, the new coach should find a QB that he likes. Either in free agency or in
the draft and I tend to favor the draft.
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